Iowa City City officials are one step closer to creating two separate offenses for "indecent exposure and conduct" and "public urination and defecation."

City councilors passed the first consideration of an ordinance amending the City Code 8-5-6.

Currently under City Code, those charged with public urination are also considered sexual offenders, and the same section is cited regardless of the specific offense.

Cody Graham, University of Iowa Student Government liaison to the City Council, suggested the amendment.

A city ordinance requires three readings; the city councilors will vote on the second consideration of the ordinance at their next meeting, March 20.

City councilors passed the first consideration on a 7-0 vote.

— by Kristen East